During the trial of Dr Stephen Opuni, former Chief Executive of COCOBOD, and Mr Seidu Agongo, Chief Executive Officer of Agricult Ghana Limited, a senior officer from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) provided testimony.
Mr. Paul Adjei Gyang, a Senior EOCO Officer, emphasized that EOCO remained focused on its investigative mandate despite any parallel investigations conducted by a committee set up by COCOBOD. He affirmed that they diligently pursued their task as directed by the Executive Director of EOCO.
Mr Gyang, appearing as a subpoenaed witness for Mr Agongo, addressed questions during cross-examination led by Mr. Samuel Codjoe, Counsel for Dr. Opuni. The defendants are facing multiple charges, including defrauding by false pretences, causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, and corruption by a public officer, in violation of the Public Procurement Act. Both have pleaded not guilty and are on bail.
Mr Gyang clarified that investigations conducted by Dr Yaw Adu Ampomah, a former Deputy Chief Executive of COCOBOD, were solely an internal inquiry by COCOBOD. He noted that during their investigations, they interviewed staff from the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) and farmers who had used lithovit fertilizer, a subject of the inquiry. The farmers were introduced to EOCO by COCOBOD for questioning.
Mr. Gyang confirmed that two farmers were interviewed, and their statements were obtained. He further stated that the Chairman of COCOBOD's Board at the time, Mr. Daniel Ohene Agyekum, was also questioned during their investigation. Additionally, a fellow Board Member, Nana Obeng Akrofi, provided a statement to EOCO.
When asked about Nana Akrofi's literacy, Mr Gyang could not recall whether Nana Akrofi was illiterate. He identified Nana Akrofi's statement but could not attach a name to the signature of the individuals who explained the statement to him.
Regarding the effectiveness of lithovit, Mr. Gyang confirmed conflicting reports from the interviewed farmers. While one farmer indicated effectiveness, another reported ineffectiveness.
Mr. Gyang clarified that Dr. Franklin Amoah, another witness in the trial, was being investigated for causing loss to state property, not causing financial loss to the state. However, EOCO had not concluded its investigation into Dr. Amoah's involvement in the matter, and thus, he was not charged.
The trial continues as the court evaluates the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence.